The Ten World Heritage Sites Kids Must Visit

Breath-taking, spell binding, majestic, magnificent and grandiose, world heritage sites are some of the most popular and heavily promoted places found around the world. Each as intriguing as the other, heritage sites come steeped with centuries of historic importance – be it of civilizations past or a declaration of undying love; of religious implications or battles fought through time. The cultural significance of these sites are undoubtedly huge and as parents, it is our duty to educate, sensitize and make our kids aware of their gravitas and existence in the world. Here are ten most visited heritage sites in India as well as across the globe that you should take your kids to.

Ajanta Caves

A gargantuan cave structure in Maharashtra, the Ajanta caves belong to the 2nd century BC and comprises of 31 rock-cut caves that kids will love to explore. A standing symbol for Buddhism, the Ajanta Caves are considered to be one of the finest examples of Indian art and paintings.

Qutub Minar

Located in the capital city of New Delhi, the Qutub Minar is the second tallest minar in the country (the first being the Fateh Burj in Mohali). Founded by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak (hence, the name) from the Delhi Sultanate, the monument is made out of red sandstone and marble. Let your kids be in awe of its height while they learn a bit of history too!

Giant’s Causeway

A heritage site with one of the coolest names, the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, is bound to peak the interest of your child beyond imagination. Formed out of ancient volcanic forces, the Giant’s Causeway can be found in Northern Ireland and comprises over 40,000 hexagonal columns, formed nearly 60 million years ago when molten lava cooled quickly upon making contact with the ocean water and contracted into crystallized basalt pillars, some of which are more than 35 feet tall.

Colosseum and Roman Forum

One of the main reasons why your kid will go nuts over this particular heritage site is that long before it was used as an amphitheatre (the reason we all know the Colosseum for) it was an arena where men and beast fought for the pleasure for some of the most powerful empires. Though the Roman Forum includes the Pantheon, mausoleums, columns, and papal structures, the massive amphitheatre is the most awe inspiring of the lot.

The Great Pyramids

The great pyramids of Giza form a triumvirate like no other. Out of the three, the biggest and the most famous pyramid known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest of the seven wonders of the world and more amazingly, one to remain largely intact. If the pyramids make you feel small while looking at them through the screen of your laptop, then you’re in for a surprise when you visit them in person with your kids. Magnificent and monumental in every which way, the great pyramids of Giza are steeped in history as well as ancient astronomy, things that your kid will definitely take interest in.

Taj Mahal

Over the years, our minds have been conditioned to thinking of the Taj Mahal as the symbol of undying love, and rightfully so. Made out of ivory white marble, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna river in Agra. Built to symbolise Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal was built to encase her tomb in the centre of the 42-acre complex. Considered to be one of the finest samples of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal will teach your children about Mughal history while impressing them with its fine architecture and inspiring design.

Stonehenge

The most puzzling of all world heritage sites, Stonehenge is one of the eight wonders of the world and the best known pre-historic monument in Europe. Essentially a ring of standing stones, it is believed that Stonehenge came into being as long ago as 24000 – 2200 BC, though nobody has been able to decipher the logic or reason behind this impressive arrangement of rocks – something that will equally baffle as well as intrigue a child’s young mind too!

Red Fort

Known to be one of the oldest residences of the Mughal emperors, Red Fort is located in the heart of New Delhi and houses a number of museums. The Red Fort was constructed by emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad and is enclosed by giant walls made out of red sandstone. Watch history come to life as you take your kid through what could possibly be one of the largest ceremonial and political centres of the Mughal empire.

Victoria Memorial

Located in the City of Joy – Kolkata – Victoria Memorial stands elegant and sprawling across one of the most scenic parts of the charming city. It is the largest marble building in Kolkata and was dedicated to the Queen Victoria herself. One of the most beautiful and mesmerizing heritage sites within India, Victoria Memorial is now a cultural museum and a popular tourist destination both for adults and kids alike.

Angkor Wat

Last but not the least, if we’re talking about world heritage sites that you ought to take your kids to, then Angkor Wat in Cambodia cannot be missed out. Angkor Wat is the largest standing religious monument to exist in the world and is a must-see for children to enrich their knowledge of history & religion. Angkor Wat was originally conceived as a Hindu temple before being transformed into a Buddhist temple complex around the 12th century. If you’re planning a family trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, then visiting the temple city cannot be missed out on at any cost.

Sometimes it’s the journey and not the destination that matters and what could be more enlightening that a trip down the long winding lanes of rich history that has been entrenched forever with your kid.